Ten cameras went operational around the state on December 1 at undisclosed locations, but with high traffic volumed on the Central Coast, the odds are there is one in the region.
Liberal Terrigal MP Adam Crouch, said it is estimated the cameras will prevent around 100 fatal and serious injury crashes over the next five years.
“This is world-first technology that the State Government is rolling out,” Crouch said.
“With the Christmas and New Year period being one of the busiest and most dangerous times of the year, we want to send a clear message that if you use your mobile phone while behind the wheel of vehicle you will have a greater chance of being caught, anywhere at any time.
“I would hope that Central Coast drivers think twice before using their mobile phone while driving – there are potentially fatal consequences.”
Executive Director of Transport for NSW’s Centre for Road Safety, Bernard Carlon, said a trial of cameras earlier this year caught over 100,000 drivers illegally using a phone.
“There is strong community support for more enforcement, with 80 per cent of people surveyed supporting use of detection cameras to stop illegal mobile phone use,” Carlon said.
For the first three months of operation, warnings will be issued, after which time drivers will receive a $344 fine, or $457 in a school zone, and five demerit points.
The phone detection cameras are unmarked; some are fixed and some are mobile trailer-mounted.
The use of the detection cameras will progressively expand to 135 million vehicle checks per year by 2023.
NSW Police will continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations during the warning phase of the camera program.
You can use their phone as a digital wallet as long as your vehicle is stationary and off road, in a car park, drive-through or driveway.
